Collapsible paper funnel construction



o. VINE 0, 88 COLLAPSIBLE PAPER FUNNEL CONSTRUCTION I Nov. 30, 1937.

Filed Jan. 27, 1956 7 2 sheetsshee'c 1;

' 7 INVENTOR. 0504/2 V Ms BY A ATTORNEYS Nov. 30, 1937. o. VINE COLLAPSIBLE PAPER FUNNEL CONSTRUCTION 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 27; 1956 INVENTOR.

OSCAR A. V/

ATTORNEYS Patented Nov. 30, 1937 COLLAPSIBLE PAPER FUNNEL CONSTRUC- TION Oscar L. Vine, New York, N. Y.

Application January 27, 1936, Serial No. 60,974

10 Claims.

The present invention relates to a collapsible paper funnel construction.

It is among the objects of the present invention to provide a collapsible paper funnel construction, the blanks of which may be readily made by paper stamping and cutting machinery in one operation at very low cost. which may be readily packaged and distributed in collapsed condition to householders and other persons and which may be readily expanded for usage.

Another object is to provide an inexpensive paper funnel construction of light weight and of such low cost that the funnel may be discarded after usage.

Other objects will be obvious or will be apparent during the course of the following specification.

In accomplishing the above objects, it has been found most satisfactory to stamp or cut the paper blanks in more or less triangular form depending on whether the funnel is to be three, four or more sided, and the last side section is preferably provided with a flap to connect the extreme ends of the blank together and to compiete the funnel construction.

In the formation of the blank, a series of bend and fold lines are formed into the paper material with cutting of the outline. These bend or fold lines enable collapsing of the funnel, and thereafter extension of it into an inverted pyramidal structure, and also permit better conformation of the end of the funnel with the mouth of the bottle or container into which the liquid is to be poured through the funnel.

For the former purpose, the bend or fold-lines extend the entire depth of the blank while for the latter purpose additional intermediate lines are provided extending substantially vertically only through the lower portion of the blank and between the adjacent fold lines.

It is a particular feature of the present invention that an extension flap is provided associated with one of the sides of the funnel which is normally bent in half or in sections when the funnel is collapsed.

This flap may constitute anupward extension of the side wall and is desirably provided with convenient gripping portions. when extended or bent away from the wall to which it is attached, it causes the funnel to extend and hold its shape during the pouring operation.

If desired, this flap may also be provided with reeni'orcements which will be positioned against the body or adjacent wall of the funnel supported in position.

The above and other objects will appear more clearly from the following detailed description which when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, will illustrate the pre- 60 ferred embodiments of the inventive idea.

Figure 1 is a plan view of one type of blank.

Figures 2 and 3 are side views of the blank with its ends attached to form a funnel and in collapsed position; Figure 2 being a view with the walls collapsed in outwardly extending position 5 and Figure 3 being a side view of the walls in inwardly extending position.

Figures 4 and 5 are top views upon the lines 4-4 and 5-5 of Figure 3 respectively, indicating how the funnel is collapsed.

Figure 6 is a side view of the funnel construction of Figures 2 and 3 in extended position.

Figure 'l is a top perspective view of the structure of Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a top view of the extended structure of Figure 6 upon the line 8-4 of Figure 6.

Figures 9 and 9a are respectively transverse sectional views on enlarged scale showing engagement of the bottom of the funnel with the mouth of the bottle or container into which liquid is to be poured.

Figure 10 is a plan view of a blank of another embodiment.

Figures 11 and 12 are side views of said blank formed into a funnel similar to Figures 2 and 3 with the funnel collapsed and extended and in inturned position respectively.

Figures 13 and 14 are top views respectively on the lines l3l3 and "-44 of Figures 11 and 12, showing the funnel in collapsed position.

Figures 15, 16, and 1'! are respectively side, top perspective and top views of the funnel in extended position.

Figure 18 is a fragmentary side view of another embodiment similar to the embodiment of Figures 10 to 17.

Figures 19 to 21 are fragmentary top perspective of alternative constructions.

Referring to Figure 1, the blank as formed is provided with four triangular sections l6, l l, l2, and I3 provided with bend lines I4, II, l6, and I! for forming the sides of the funnels and also provided with the end flap l8.

The sections H and It are provided with flap extensions I9, 26 which are provided with bend lines 2i, 22 at the top of the sections H and II.

. These extensions l9 and 20 are provided with end pieces 23, 24 at the upper ends thereof, which have the bend lines 25, 26.

Through the middle of the sections H and I! pass the bend lines 21, 28 which extend the entire length of the sections while the intermediate sections III and i2 are provided with partial bend lines 29 and 36.

It will be noted the bottom of the sections Iii, Ii, l2, and I3 are cut off as indicated at 3| to form a mouth for the funnel.

. In assembling the funnel from the blank, as indicated in Figure 1, the flap It is shown in Figure 20 attached to the end 32 of the section 60 til 10. The funnel thus formed may be conveniently collapsed by folding the sections l3 with their flaps I9, 20 upon the fold lines 21, 28, said fold lines extending outwardly as indicated at Figure 2 or inwardly as indicated in Figure 3.

To extend the funnel to the position as indicated in Figures 6, 7, and 8, the flaps l9 and 29 are bent downwardly and this will automatically straighten out the sections I I and I3 across the bend lines 21 and 28.

The flaps I9, 20 not only will reenforce the funnel when extended as shown in Figures 6 to 8, but in addition will form a convenient finger support to hold the funnel.

in Figures 9, 9a, is indicated how the lower end of the funnel 33 adjacent its mouth 3| may be inserted into the neck of a bottle 34 and conform itself to such bottle.

As indicated in Figures 9 and 9a the funnel may bend inwardly across the bend lines 21, 28,

29, 30 or it may be bent outwardly across said same bent lines.

Referring to Figure 10 which shows the blank of the form of Figures 11 and 12 and 15 to 17, there are provided triangular sections 59, and 52 separated by the fold lines 53 and 54. The section 52 at its outside edge carries the flap 55 having the fold lines 56. The middle section 5| carries the flap 51 having the fold line 59 which flap is provided with an extension 59 having the fold line 60.

The sides of the flap 51 are provided with extensions 6| which are partly slitted, as indicated at 62, to be separated from the middle portion of the flap 51 and which are also provided with the bend lines 63.

The section 5| is provided with a vertical bend line 64 which extends entirely through the section 5| and the flaps 51 and 59. The sections 50 and 52 are provided with partial bend lines 65, 66, which together with the other bend lines 53, 54, 56 and enable the accommodation of the end 1| of the funnel by the neck of a container, as shown in Figures 9 and 9a. 1

y In Figures 11 to 14 are shown the container assembled from the blank of Figure with the flap 55 glued or otherwise adhesively attached to the edge portion 61 of the section 5|). The section 5| along its bend line 64 may be folded outwardly as indicated in Figure 11 and inwardly as indicated in Figure 12.

By turning down the flap 51, the bent side 5| will be straightened and the funnel extended as shown in Figures 15 to 17.

When extended, the tabs or end extension 6| will rest against the rear section 5| of the funnel and reenforce both the funnel and the holder 51, 59.

It will be noted, as shown. in Figures 15 and 16,

that the handle portion 51, 59, may be most con- .veniently. grasped by the hand of the person carrying out the pouring operation.

In Figures 10 to 17, it will be noted that the upper edge of the funnel is curved, as indicated at 68, risen to the peak or spout 69, the rear upper edge of the funnel, as indicated at 10, terminating on a level with the flap 51-when it is bent downwardly. The peak or spout 69 may be used for pouring back the surplus.

If desired, the handle portion 51, 59 may be caused to extend substantially above the upper edge 68 of-the funnel.

Referring to Figure 18 in which similarly funciioning parts are indicated by the same numerals primed, the upper edge of the funnel is cut substantially below the flap 51' of the handle with the bend line 56' at the top of the section 5| being substantially above the top of the sections 50' to 52'.

For many purposes, this enables more convenient handling and manipulation of the funnel and is advantageous in many respects.

Figures 19, 20, and 21 show alternative constructions.

In Figure 19 the sides 12 and 19 are provided with upward extensions 14 and 15. The extension 14 is provided with the tongue 16, slit at 11, to lock over the side 15.

In Figure 20, the handle flap 16 with its side flaps 11 and end flap 19 is elongated so as to be readily grasped by the hand. The flap 19 extends from the rear side 19, the funnel also having sides 80 and 6|.

g In Figure 21, the sides 92, 99 of the funnel are provided with the edge flaps 94-94 and the rear flap 85 the edge flaps enabling liquid to be poured into the funnel more readily.

The essential feature of the present invention are the extension flaps 20 of Figure 1 and 51 of Figure 10, which enable the funnel to be readily extended for usage from the collapsed position, as shown in Figures 2 and 3 and 11 and 12.

The paper material of the funnel may be replaced by other flexible materials such as transparent sheet regenerated cellulose or the funnel may be treated with suitable antiseptic compounds or water proofing compounds or grease proofing compounds, which would render it resistant to water and grease and also give it antiseptic properties. For example, the paper material may be treated with gelatine, glue, casein, peroxide of organic acids, particularly the higher fatty acids, and if desired, the funnel may also be treated with paramn or waxror similar plastic materials.

The number and relative size of the sections II to I3 of Figure 1 and 50 to 52 of Figure 10 may be varied so that there may be five, six or more sections and the number of flaps, as indicated in Figures 1 and 10 may also be increased or decreased in number.-

I'he ends 23 and 24 of Figures 6 to 8 and 59 of Figures 15 to 16 act as stiffening flaps to give additional support to the flaps I9, 20 and 51 respectively, enabling said flaps I9, 29 and 51 to be held in more rigid fashion.

The invention, however, is not intended to be restricted to any particular construction or arrangement of parts or to any particular application of any such construction, or to any specific method of operation, or manner of use, or to any of various details thereof, herein shown and described, as the same may be modified in various particulars or be applied in many varied relations without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention, the practical embodiments herein illustrated and described merely showing some of the various features entering into the application of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A collapsible paper funnel construction consisting of a plurality of triangular sections, one of which is provided with a flap extension to hold the funnel extended when it is being utilized, said triangular section and said flap extension being provided with a continuous crease enabling said triangular sectionand flap extension to be folded together and said paper funnel to be collapsed when the flap extension is in the same plane as said triangular section and said flap extension causing extension of said funnel when the ham extension is turned away from said section.

2. A collapsible paper funnel construction con sisting of a plurality of triangular sections, one

of which is provided with a flap extension to hold the funnel extended when it is being utilized, said triangular section and said flap extension being provided with a continuous crease enabling, said triangular section and flap extension to be folded together and said paper funnel to be collapsed when the flap extension is in the same plane as said triangular section and said flap extension the funnel extended when it is being utilized, said triangular section and said flap extension being provided with a continuous crease enabling said triangular section and flap extension to be folded together and said paper funnel to be collapsed when the flap extension is in the same plane as said triangular section and said flap extension causing extension of said funnel when the flap extension is.turned away from said triangular section, said flap extension being provided with an end tab which together with the flap extension will form a convenient finger piece to support the funnel when extended.

4. A collapsible paper funnel construction consisting of a plurality of triangular sections, one 01' which is provided with a flap extension .to hold the funnel extended when it is being utilized, said triangular section and said flap extension being provided with a continuous crease enabling said triangular section and flap extension to be folded together and said paper funnel to be collapsed when the flap extension is in the same plane as said triangular section and said flap extension causing extension of said funnel when the flap extension is turned away from said triangular section, said flap and its attached section being a provided with a fold line by means of which the section may be collapsed inwardly or outwardly when the funnel is collapsed.

5. A blank for a paper funnel construction comprising three triangular sections arranged side by side and connected to each other by bend lines with the end section having an attachment flap and one of the other sections having a flap extension flap at its end, the upper edge of the funnel having a curved edge portion which, when the funnel is assembled will form a peak opposite the extension flap, said triangular section and said flap extension being provided with a continuous crease enabling said triangular section and flap extension to be folded together and said paper funnel to be collapsed when the flap extension is in the same plane as said triangular section and said flap extension causing extension of said funnel when the flap extension is turned away from said triangular section.

6. A blank for a paper funnel construction comprising a plurality of triangular sections attached side to side by bend lines with an end attachment flap and an extension flap from one of said sections adapted to serve as a handle when the funnel is extended, said triangular section and said triangular flap extension beingprovided with a continuous crease enabling said triangular section and flap extension to be folded together and said paper funnel to be collapsed when the flap extension is in the same plane as said triangular section and said flap extension causing extension of said funnel when the flap extension is turned away from said triangular section.

'7. A collapsible paper funnel construction consisting of a plurality of triangular sections, one of which is provided with :a flap extension to hold the funnel extended when it is being utilized, said triangular section and said flap extension being provided with a continuous crease enabling said triangular section and flap extension to be folded together and said paper funnel to be collapsed when the flap extension is in the same plane as said triangular section and said flap extension causing extension of said funnel when the flap extension is turned away from said triangular section and the others of which are provided with short extension flaps to enable liquid to be more readily poured into the funnel.

8. A collapsible paper funnel construction consisting of a plurality of triangular sections, one of which is provided with a flap extension to hold the funnel extended when it is being utilized, said triangular section and said flap extension being provided with a continuous crease enabling said triangular section and flap extension to be folded together and said paper tunnel to be collapsed when the flap extension is in the same plane as said triangular section and said flap extension causing extension of said funnel when the flap extension is turned away from said triangular section, said extension including a rectangular portion with side flaps, which extension is readily grasped by the hand.

9. A collapsible paper funnel construction consisting of a plurality of triangularsections, one of which is provided with a flap extension to hold the funnel extended when it is being utilized, said triangular section and said flap extension being provided with a continuous crease enabling said triangular section and flap extension to be folded together and said paper funnel to be collapsed when the flap extension is in the same plane as said triangular section and said flap extension causing extension of said funnel when the flap extension is turned away from said triangularsection, and another of which is provided with a tongue having a slit to be looked over onto the other section, said tongue being positioned, opposite said flap extension.

10. A collapsible paper funnel construction consisting of a plurality of triangular sections, one of which is provided with a flap extension to hold the funnel extended when it is being utilized, said triangular section and said flap extension being provided with a continuous crease enabling said triangular section and flap extension to be folded together and said paper funnel to be collapsed when the flap extension is in the same plane as said triangular section and said flap ex-- tension causing extension of said tunnel when the flap extension is turned away from said triangular section, the top of said funnel construction rising to a spout opposite to said flap extension whereby surplus liquid may be dumped out of the funnel.

OSCAR L. VINE. 

